Elmer Louis Barta, 80 of Swisher, passed away Friday, March 26, 2010 from complications of asthma, surrounded by his loving family on the farm where he was born. Services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 30, 2010 at Brosh Chapel in Cedar Rapids , located at 2121 Bowling Street SW. A private family burial will follow in Anderson Cemetery . Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at Brosh Chapel in Cedar Rapids .

Elmer was born November 2, 1929 on the family farm in rural Linn County , the son of Louis and Emily (Fisher) Barta. He married Helen Kadlec on May 9, 1953 at the Little Brown Church in the Vale in Nashua . Elmer farmed all of his life near Swisher and he did custom corn shelling for over 35 years. Besides spending time with his family and friends he enjoyed playing cards, drinking beer, smoking cigars, tractor pulling, attending farm auctions with his best friend Emil Herman and collecting antique tractors and machinery. His hobbies since retirement included going to the casino, putting together jigsaw puzzles, gardening, bird feeding, and listening to Polka music. Elmer was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, WFLA and ZCBJ.

Elmer is survived by his loving wife Helen of 57 years; his children, Carol Watkinson of Cedar Rapids, Ken (Cindy) Barta of Swisher, Marlene (Dean) Montour of Central City, Denise Yates of Cedar Rapids, Judy (Tim) Niner of Blairstown and Sherry (James) Garnant of Ely; fourteen grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, one step-granddaughter, three step great-grandchildren; sisters, Bernice (Milford) Collingwood of Williamsburg and Velma Dlouhy of Cedar Rapids.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Emily (Fisher) Barta.

Elmer will be missed by his loving family and all who appreciated his sense of humor. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Mercy Hospice for their care and support.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Ely Fire Department or a charity of the donor's choice.